Sunday, August 22, 2010

Apothecary: OPI Acetone-Free Polish Remover

Hello ladies,

I am adding another quality remover to my apothecary: OPI Acetone-Free Polish Remover with Aloe Vera. This remover is perfect if you are looking for a non-drying formula that is gentle on natural nails and enhancements.

There is a bee in the sunflower's center.

I appreciate the overall effectiveness of OPI Acetone-Free Remover. I have used it to cleanly remove creme, shimmer, foil, and glass flecked polishes. It safely loosens rhinestones that have been set with fast dry topcoat for easy removal. It takes off Konad manicures quickly as well. Manicures with stamping designs have extra layers of topcoat and tend to take slightly longer to remove. I had no problems with this remover.

I prefer to utilize cut up pieces of white felt from the craft store for all my polish removal. I begin with a rectangle slightly larger than my nail. I moisten the piece of felt and press it down gently over my nail. I hold the felt against my nail for 20 to 30 seconds. The polish will dissolve and be whisked away with very little scrubbing. I go over all ten nails with a new piece of felt to remove any trace residue of polish.

It's advantageous to have a non-acetone formula to remove polish on natural nails that have been repaired with wraps or patches. OPI Acetone-Free Remover takes off polish without causing weakening of the patch or dissolving nail glue the way acetone based removers will. It can also be used to safely remove polish from glue on nails or basic acrylics.

OPI Acetone-Free Polish Remover has a floral perfume that makes me think of a rose bouquet tossed at a beaker of chemicals. While the scent is pleasant for polish remover, the fragrance doesn't completely mask the active components. OPI has made a fine effort to perfume this product. It's among the best smelling acetone-free removers available.

Aloe leaf is a truly beneficial additive in polish remover. It keeps the nail hydrated without leaving a residue or trace oils that can cause problems with polish adhesion, and later lead to chipping.

OPI Acetone-Free Polish Remover also works well as a nail prep. I have used it to wipe my nails clean right before polishing. Starting with dry and prepped nails is another way to extend the longevity of your manicure.

I definitely recommend OPI Acetone-Free Polish Remover. I plan on keeping a supply on hand for regular use.

10 comments:

Hm...I always love the IDEA of non-acetone remover, but it works too slowly for me =\ Really terrible philosophy since I know how drying acetone remover is, but waiting more than a full minute for polish to get off your nails is the biggest pain. How fast did this work compared to other non-acetone removers?

Janna: Zoya Remove+ is the gold standard of non-acetone removers. The OPI Non-Acetone is a worthy silver in comparison. The OPI is a world above the non-acetone removers from the drug store and much better than the Beauty Secrets brand from Sally's Beauty Supply. I hope that helps. :)

Janna: OPI also makes a mild acetone formula with aloe that I will be reviewing in the next couple weeks. It's simple called OPI Polish Remover. I have used it at different times over the years. I tend to keep three bottles of remover on hand: a non-acetone, an acetone based and 100% acetone (for Konad or removing a patch).

Hi Diana! I've been using OPI Expert Touch, have you tried that one yet? I'd be really curious what you think of it. I ordered it originally from TransDesign, it seemed like it was roughly half the price of Zoya, and I liked it about as much as I did Remove+.

I've never used OPI's remover. I know I love Zoya's Remove. I actually found 4 of the small bottles of Remove the other night! I'd forgotten I put it away in a box in my drawer. Nice to know of another brand that's gentle.

"The Zoya Remove Plus nail polish remover is a mild acetone formula deigned specifically not to dry out the nail"(from http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Remove-Plus-Nail-Polish-Remover-2oz.html)

An interesting trick I've heard works well is to add a capfull of glycerine to a bottle of acetone to mimic the Remove Plus. You could also add a few drops of essential oil to scent it.

About the lady

I've loved nail polish since girlhood. My grandmom bought me colorful bottles every time we went to the drugstore together. That sentiment has never left me. My favorite brands now are China Glaze, Chanel, Color Club, Misa, Nubar, OPI and Zoya. I can't pass by Sally Hansen, Milani, or Rimmel in a drugstore without incident of shopping. I dream of vast stores of old Urban Decay and Hard Candy polishes. In reality, I have a few. I have a penchant for glitter and the Konad has taken over much of my brainspace with swirls, flowers and butterflies. I like whimsy. I carry a parasol.
berkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm